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STORY RYAN GERULF | PHOTOS ISHS
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Lincoln ’ s link to Idaho Celebrate the 208th Birthday of our 16th President
than any other state , Idaho is related to Abraham Lincoln ,” claims the Idaho Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission . Though this claim may be debatable , there is no question that Abraham Lincoln left a lasting legacy on the state of Idaho . Not only did he sign our Territorial Bill in 1863 , but he also attended the meeting where the name Idaho was selected .
“ Since opening in 2013 , the Lincoln Legacy Exhibit has been visited by thousands of people including many children . These visits provide a one of a kind opportunity for people to learn about the influence and contributions of President Lincoln to the development of the western United States , particularly that of the Territory and State of Idaho ,” said David Matte , State Archives Administrator .
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In return for our territorial status , Idaho supplied the revenue from Idaho ’ s gold mines to aid in fighting the Civil War . As it turned out , Abraham Lincoln would never set foot in what became Idaho , but we see his legacy everywhere in the Gem State . We have Lincoln County , the community of Springfield named for Lincoln ’ s hometown , and even the Lincoln Auditorium located in the Idaho State Capitol .
To celebrate this legacy , the Idaho State Historical Society worked with David and Nancy Leroy to create a permanent Lincoln exhibition that highlights more than 200 artifacts and documents illustrating Lincoln ’ s life and the early history of the Idaho Territory . There is a replica of Lincoln ’ s White House Cabinet Room , a tour of Lincoln ’ s life , from childhood to assassination and documents signed by Lincoln himself !
When establishing this exhibition , David and Nancy felt that it was important that all Idahoans and visitors to our state be able to access this exhibition . That ’ s why the exhibition is free to the public . Visitors can explore the exhibition from 11am-4pm on Tuesday through Saturday at the Idaho State Archives .
In addition to viewing the Lincoln exhibition , visitors can also explore some of the more than 500,000 photographs housed in the state ’ s collection . These photos includes everything from images of early Henry ’ s Lake , inmate mug shots , and pictures of neighborhoods across the state .
On February 11 , 2017 the Idaho State Historical Society will celebrate the 208th birthday of our 16th President at the Idaho
GREENBELT MAGAZINE | JAN - FEB 2017